Career Ideas Perfect for Extroverts

Do you prefer to spend time with other people over being alone? When it comes to your job, do you like to work as part of a team rather than independently? Are you happy being the center of attention? If your answer to these questions is "yes," you are probably an extrovert.

Extroverts are motivated by other people and outside experiences, rather than from within as introverts are. Being extroverted does not mean you can't work independently, but collaborating with others enhances your performance.

Extroverts are inherently better suited for some occupations because they involve working with people most of the time. Consider this when deciding if a career is a good fit for you. In other occupations, you may work alone or on a team depending on the environment at your particular employer. Learn what your work setting will be when before deciding whether or not to accept a job offer. Here are 10 career ideas that are perfect for extroverts:

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook; Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online (visited December 23, 2018).

01
of 10

Sales Representative

Businesswoman leading team project discussion
Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Sales representatives sell products on behalf of wholesalers and manufacturers. They meet with existing and new clients to discuss the benefits of their product lines. Sales reps demonstrate items, answer questions, and negotiate prices and contracts. When not meeting with prospective customers, they are in their offices preparing contracts, arranging deliveries, reordering merchandise from manufacturers, and identifying new customers.

Educational Requirements: H.S. Diploma (non-technical and non-scientific products); Bachelor's Degree (technical and scientific products)

Median Annual Salary (2017): $56,970 (non-technical and non-scientific products); $78,830 (technical and scientific products)

Number of People Employed (2016): 1.8 million

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 5 percent (as fast as the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 94,100

02
of 10

Project Manager (Construction)

Construction workers using laptop on construction site
Paul Bradbury / Getty Images

Project managers oversee construction projects. They interact with tradespeople, property owners, architects, suppliers, and their own administrative staff. When off the construction site, they can be found at their desks preparing contracts and budgets, studying building plans, and writing progress reports.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree

Median Annual Salary (2017): $91,370

Number of People Employed (2016): 403,800

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 11 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 44,800

03
of 10

Clinical or Counseling Psychologist

USA, New Jersey, Jersey City, Teenage girl (16-17) talking to therapist
Tetra Images / Getty Images

Clinical and counseling psychologists study the human mind and apply their knowledge to help people solve emotional or behavioral problems. They first assess and diagnose individuals and then provide therapy. Psychologists sometimes work with groups of people and may also meet with the families of their clients. When not in session with clients or their families, they spend time writing reports and tending to paperwork for insurance companies.

Educational Requirements: Doctorate in Psychology

Median Annual Salary (2017): $75,090

Number of People Employed (2016): 147,500

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 14 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 21,000

04
of 10

Event Planner

Businesswoman using tablet computer in dining room
Jetta Productions / Getty Images

Event planners coordinate conventions, trade shows, business meetings, and private parties for businesses, organizations, and individuals. They talk to clients to learn about their visions for the events and, leading up to them, meet with vendors and venue management and staff to discuss their offerings, negotiate contracts, and review details. They often work at the functions as well. During downtime, event planners review budgets and approve bills for payment.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree

Median Annual Salary (2017): $48,290

Number of People Employed (2016): 116,700

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 11 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 12,700

05
of 10

Mediator

Three young people in meeting
Tim Macpherson / Getty Images

Mediators settle disputes between people who have chosen to avoid going ​to court. They meet with both parties to gather information and try to help them find ways to communicate with one another. They interview witnesses and hold hearings. Behind the scenes, mediators research laws, write reports about their cases, prepare written opinions, and authorize payments.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, Law Degree, or MBA

Median Annual Salary (2017): $60,670

Number of People Employed (2016): 7,800

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 10 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 800

06
of 10

Hairstylist

Hairdresser cutting customer's hair

Cultura RM Exclusive / Seb Oliver / Getty Images

Hairstylists cut, style, bleach, dye, curl, and straighten hair. They spend almost the entire day talking to and listening to clients. Hairstylists spend very little time alone when at work, although those who own salons must also tend to business-related tasks like paying bills and ordering supplies.

Educational Requirements: Completion of a State-Licensed Cosmetology Program

Median Annual Salary (2017): $24,850

Number of People Employed (2016): 617,300

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 13 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 81,000

07
of 10

Financial Advisor

Couple reading over contract in office

PhotoAlto / Eric Audras / Getty Images

Financial advisors help individuals and families plan for financial goals. They assess their clients' needs, tell them which investments can help them meet their goals, and introduce them to new investment products. Financial advisors drum up new business by conducting seminars and workshops. When not marketing their services or meeting with clients, they are busy monitoring market trends and looking into new investment products.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree

Median Annual Salary (2017): $90,640

Number of People Employed (2016): 271,900

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 15 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 40,400

08
of 10

Speech Pathologist

A female speech pathologist is teaching a child patient
FatCamera / Getty Images

Speech pathologists treat people who have speech-related disorders such as the inability to produce certain sounds, fluency and rhythm difficulties, and voice quality problems. They conduct assessments, make diagnoses, and then provide therapy for clients. When not doing therapy, speech pathologists develop treatment plans, write reports, and complete paperwork.

Educational Requirements: Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Median Annual Salary (2017): $76,610

Number of People Employed (2016): 145,100

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 18 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 25,900

09
of 10

Urban Planner

Caucasian architects examining architectural model in office
Resolution Productions / Getty Images

Urban planners help communities arrange for the use of land and other resources. They consult with governments, developers, lawyers, and special interest groups. They coordinate work with architects and other professionals who are involved in the same projects and mediate disputes between members of the community. When not leading or attending meetings, urban planners can be found reviewing environmental impact reports and creating presentations.

Educational Requirements: Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning

Median Annual Salary (2017): $71,490

Number of People Employed (2016): 36,000

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 13 percent (faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 4,600

10
of 10

Registered Nurse (RN)

Nurse measuring height of girl
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RNs provide medical care to patients and emotional support to them and their families. They administer medications, change dressings, and check patients' vital signs. RNs discuss patients' progress with other healthcare workers. When they aren't directly engaged in patient care or consulting with families and other workers, they spend time recording patients' progress and writing reports.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's of Science or Associate Degree in Nursing, or Diploma From Approved Nursing Program

Median Annual Salary (2017): $70,000

Number of People Employed (2016): 2.9 Million

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026): 15 percent (much faster than the average for all occupations)

Projected Job Openings (2016-2026): 438,100